The Barrow Valley Art Group recently held its annual painting exhibition at Cobden Hall in Carlow College, with all proceeds benefiting Co Carlow Hospice. The exhibition, which ran from Saturday to Thursday, October 25-30, featured works from 19 artists across a variety of media. The event was officially opened by Glór Cheatharlachs Bríde de Róiste, with admission set at €5, and all funds raised going directly to support the local hospice.
Barrow Valley Art Group Chair Blaithin Cooney was joined by Carlow Mayor Paul Doogue at the opening ceremony. The exhibition showcased diverse artistic works, including pieces by artists Ruth Coffey, Daniel Griffin, and Annika Niva, among others. Attendees throughout the week included Mary O'Connor, Mary Hosey, Jane Walsh, Mary Butler, Anne Marie and Michael Kearns, Adrian Scully, Louise Gallagher, Lisa Scully, Deirdre Hyland, and many other community members who came to support the cause.
In addition to the exhibition admission fees, the art group organized a raffle to raise additional funds for the hospice. The main prize was an original painting by Scottish-born artist Jock Nichols, created while he was conducting a plein air class for the Barrow Valley group at Shankill Castle in Carlow. Other raffle prizes included a Kenwood Chefette donated by Sean Swan of Swan's Electrical Expert and a gift voucher generously donated by Liam Geoghegan of Arthur's SuperValu in Sandhills.
The Barrow Valley Art Group holds significant historical importance as one of the first art groups of its kind in Ireland, having been established 52 years ago. The group maintains an active schedule, meeting once a month for seven months each year and regularly hosting workshops with prominent artists from various art schools. This longstanding tradition has helped foster artistic talent and community engagement in the Carlow area for more than five decades.
The successful exhibition was made possible through the generous support of several local business sponsors. The Barrow Valley Art Group expressed their gratitude to Rachel Doyle of the Arboretum, Sean Swan of Swan's Electrical Expert, Wesley Smyth of Ballinaboley Plant Hire Ltd, Suzanne Fennin of Clanard Court Hotel in Athy, Michael Condon of Jones Business Systems in Carlow, and Liam Geoghegan of Arthur's SuperValu in Sandhills, Carlow. The group also thanked all attendees who visited the exhibition throughout the week and made donations to support Co Carlow Hospice, with representatives Anne McMahon and June Farrell present to accept the fundraising efforts on behalf of the hospice.
